Apparatus and method for communication and negotiation of charge rate between electronic smoking device and charger

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the instant disclosure relate to electronic cigarettes; more particularly, to electronic cigarettes and chargers. In various embodiments, the e-cigarette includes a power supply portion comprising a power supply, an atomizer/liquid reservoir portion comprising a liquid reservoir and an atomizer, the atomizer operable when connected to the power supply to atomize liquid stored in the liquid reservoir, and control electronics, where the control electronics are configured to execute a set of computer readable instructions to place the electronic smoking device in an operation mode, a communication mode, and a charge mode. Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a charger for an electronic smoking device. Aspects of the disclosure are further directed to a system comprising an electronic smoking device and a charger. Aspects of the disclosure are further directed to a method for charging an electronic smoking device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/219,195, filed 25 Jul. 2016 (the '195 application). The '195application is hereby incorporated by reference as though fully setforth herein.

BACKGROUND

a. Field

The present invention relates generally to electronic smoking devicesand in particular electronic cigarettes.

b. Background Art

An electronic smoking device, such as an electronic cigarette (ore-cigarette or eCig), typically has a housing accommodating an electricpower source (e.g., a single use or rechargeable battery, electricalplug, or other power source), and an electrically operable atomizer. Theatomizer vaporizes or atomizes liquid supplied from a reservoir andprovides vaporized or atomized liquid as an aerosol. Control electronicscontrol the activation of the atomizer. In some electronic cigarettes,an airflow sensor is provided within the electronic smoking device,which detects a user puffing on the device (e.g., by sensing anunder-pressure or an airflow pattern through the device). The airflowsensor indicates or signals the puff to the control electronics to powerup the device and generate vapor. In other e-cigarettes, a switch isused to power up the e-cigarette to generate a puff of vapor.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is providedan electronic smoking device comprising a power supply portioncomprising a power supply, an atomizer/liquid reservoir portioncomprising a liquid reservoir and an atomizer, the atomizer operablewhen connected to the power supply to atomize liquid stored in theliquid reservoir, and control electronics, wherein the controlelectronics are configured to execute a set of computer-readableinstructions to place the electronic smoking device in an operationmode, a communication mode, and a charge mode.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a charger for an electronic smoking device comprising a firstconnection, wherein the first connection further comprises a pluralityof connecting pins for electrically connecting to the electronic smokingdevice, a second connection, wherein the second connection is configuredfor electrically connecting to a computing device, charger controlelectronics, wherein the charger control electronics comprises a memory,wherein the memory further comprises a set of computer-readableinstructions to place the charger in an idle mode, a communication modeand a charge mode.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a system comprising an electronic smoking device comprising abattery, an eCig memory storing a first set of computer-readableinstructions, and control electronics configured to execute the firstset of computer-readable instructions to place the electronic smokingdevice in a first plurality of modes; and a charger comprising a chargermemory storing a second set of computer-readable instructions, and acharger processor configured to execute the second set ofcomputer-readable instructions to place the charger in a secondplurality of modes; wherein each of the first plurality of modes has atleast one complementary mode in the second plurality of modes, andwherein the control electronics and the charger processor are configuredto communicate and to negotiate a charge rate for charging the batterywhen the electronic smoking device is electrically connected to thecharger.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a method for charging an electronic smoking device comprisingconnecting the electronic smoking device to a charger, wherein controlelectronics of the electronic smoking device are in a first eCig modeand wherein a charger processor of the charger is in a first chargermode, switching the control electronics from the first eCig mode to asecond eCig mode, switching the charger processor from the first chargermode to a second charger mode, negotiating, between the controlelectronics and the charger processor, while the electronic smokingdevice is in the second eCig mode, and while a charge rate for charginga battery of the electronic smoking device, the charger is in the secondcharger mode, and charging the battery at the negotiated charge rate.

The characteristics, features and advantages of these embodiments andthe manner in which they are obtained as described above, will becomemore apparent and be more clearly understood in connection with thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments, which are explained withreference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, the same element numbers indicate the same elements ineach of the views:

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of an exemplarye-cigarette.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of an e-cigarette, consistent withvarious aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is an isometric side and top view of a charger for thee-cigarette shown in FIG. 2, consistent with various aspects of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a top, cross-sectional view of the charger shown in FIG. 3A,taken along line B-B of FIG. 3A, consistent with various aspects of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3C is a side, cross-sectional view of the charger shown in FIGS. 3Aand 3B, taken along line C-C of FIG. 3B, consistent with various aspectsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a state diagram that shows exemplary modes for an e-cigarette,consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a state diagram that shows exemplary modes for the charger forthe e-cigarette of FIG. 2, consistent with various aspects of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a chart that shows exemplary times that the e-cigarette can beturned on and turned off while in the light sleep mode, consistent withvarious aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating data communication pathwaysbetween an exemplary e-cigarette and a processor, consistent withvarious aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Throughout the following, an electronic smoking device will beexemplarily described with reference to an e-cigarette. As is shown inFIG. 1, an e-cigarette 10 typically has a housing comprising acylindrical hollow tube having an end cap 12. The cylindrical hollowtube may be a single-piece or a multiple-piece tube. In FIG. 1, thecylindrical hollow tube is shown as a two-piece structure having a powersupply portion 14 and an atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 16. Togetherthe power supply portion 14 and the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 16form a cylindrical tube which can be approximately the same size andshape as a conventional cigarette, typically about 100 mm with a 7.5 mmdiameter, although lengths may range from 70 to 150 or 180 mm, anddiameters from 5 to 28 mm.

The power supply portion 14 and atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 16 aretypically made of metal (e.g., steel or aluminum, or of hardwearingplastic) and act together with the end cap 12 to provide a housing tocontain the components of the e-cigarette 10. The power supply portion14 and the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 16 may be configured to fittogether by, for example, a friction push fit, a snap fit, a bayonetattachment, a magnetic fit, or screw threads. The end cap 12 is providedat the front end of the power supply portion 14. The end cap 12 may bemade from translucent plastic or other translucent material to allow alight-emitting diode (LED) 18 positioned near the end cap to emit lightthrough the end cap. Alternatively, the end cap may be made of metal orother materials that do not allow light to pass.

An air inlet may be provided in the end cap, at the edge of the inletnext to the cylindrical hollow tube, anywhere along the length of thecylindrical hollow tube, or at the connection of the power supplyportion 14 and the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 16. FIG. 1 shows apair of air inlets 20 provided at the intersection between the powersupply portion 14 and the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 16.

A power supply, preferably a battery 22, the LED 18, control electronics24 and, optionally, an airflow sensor 26 are provided within thecylindrical hollow tube power supply portion 14. The battery 22 iselectrically connected to the control electronics 24, which areelectrically connected to the LED 18 and the airflow sensor 26. In thisexample, the LED 18 is at the front end of the power supply portion 14,adjacent to the end cap 12; and the control electronics 24 and airflowsensor 26 are provided in the central cavity at the other end of thebattery 22 adjacent the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 16.

The airflow sensor 26 acts as a puff detector, detecting a user puffingor sucking on the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 16 of thee-cigarette 10. The airflow sensor 26 can be any suitable sensor fordetecting changes in airflow or air pressure, such as a microphoneswitch including a deformable membrane which is caused to move byvariations in air pressure. Alternatively, the sensor may be, forexample, a Hall element or an electro-mechanical sensor.

The control electronics 24 are also connected to an atomizer 28. In theexample shown, the atomizer 28 includes a heating coil 30 which iswrapped around a wick 32 extending across a central passage 34 of theatomizer/liquid reservoir portion 16. The central passage 34 may, forexample, be defined by one or more walls of the liquid reservoir and/orone or more walls of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 16 of thee-cigarette 10. The coil 30 may be positioned anywhere in the atomizer28 and may be transverse or parallel to a longitudinal axis of acylindrical liquid reservoir 36. The wick 32 and heating coil 30 do notcompletely block the central passage 34. Rather an air gap is providedon either side of the heating coil 30 enabling air to flow past theheating coil 30 and the wick 32. The atomizer may alternatively useother forms of heating elements, such as ceramic heaters, or fiber ormesh material heaters. Nonresistance heating elements such as sonic,piezo, and jet spray may also be used in the atomizer in place of theheating coil.

The central passage 34 is surrounded by the cylindrical liquid reservoir36 with the ends of the wick 32 abutting or extending into the liquidreservoir 36. The wick 32 may be a porous material such as a bundle offiberglass fibers or cotton or bamboo yarn, with liquid in the liquidreservoir 36 drawn by capillary action from the ends of the wick 32towards the central portion of the wick 32 encircled by the heating coil30.

The liquid reservoir 36 may alternatively include wadding (not shown inFIG. 1) soaked in liquid which encircles the central passage 34 with theends of the wick 32 abutting the wadding. In other embodiments, theliquid reservoir may comprise a toroidal cavity arranged to be filledwith liquid and with the ends of the wick 32 extending into the toroidalcavity.

An air inhalation port 38 is provided at the back end of theatomizer/liquid reservoir portion 16 remote from the end cap 12. Theinhalation port 38 may be formed from the cylindrical hollow tubeatomizer/liquid reservoir portion 16 or may be formed in an end cap.

In use, a user sucks on the e-cigarette 10. This causes air to be drawninto the e-cigarette 10 via one or more air inlets, such as air inlets20, and to be drawn through the central passage 34 towards the airinhalation port 38. The change in air pressure which arises is detectedby the airflow sensor 26, which generates an electrical signal that ispassed to the control electronics 24. In response to the signal, thecontrol electronics 24 activate the heating coil 30, which causes liquidpresent in the wick 32 to be vaporized creating an aerosol (which maycomprise gaseous and liquid components) within the central passage 34.As the user continues to suck on the e-cigarette 10, this aerosol isdrawn through the central passage 34 and inhaled by the user. At thesame time, the control electronics 24 also activate the LED 18 causingthe LED 18 to light up, which is visible via the translucent end cap 12.Activation of the LED may mimic the appearance of a glowing ember at theend of a conventional cigarette. As liquid present in the wick 32 isconverted into an aerosol, more liquid is drawn into the wick 32 fromthe liquid reservoir 36 by capillary action and thus is available to beconverted into an aerosol through subsequent activation of the heatingcoil 30.

Some e-cigarette are intended to be disposable and the electric power inthe battery 22 is intended to be sufficient to vaporize the liquidcontained within the liquid reservoir 36, after which the e-cigarette 10is thrown away. In other embodiments, the battery 22 is rechargeable andthe liquid reservoir 36 is refillable. In the cases where the liquidreservoir 36 is a toroidal cavity, this may be achieved by refilling theliquid reservoir 36 via a refill port (not shown in FIG. 1). In otherembodiments, the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 16 of the e-cigarette10 is detachable from the power supply portion 14 and a newatomizer/liquid reservoir portion 16 can be fitted with a new liquidreservoir 36 thereby replenishing the supply of liquid. In some cases,replacing the liquid reservoir 36 may involve replacement of the heatingcoil 30 and the wick 32 along with the replacement of the liquidreservoir 36. A replaceable unit comprising the atomizer 28 and theliquid reservoir 36 may be referred to as a cartomizer.

The new liquid reservoir may be in the form of a cartridge (not shown inFIG. 1) defining a passage (or multiple passages) through which a userinhales aerosol. In other embodiments, the aerosol may flow around theexterior of the cartridge to the air inhalation port 38.

Of course, in addition to the above description of the structure andfunction of a typical e-cigarette 10, variations also exist. Forexample, the LED 18 may be omitted. The airflow sensor 26 may be placed,for example, adjacent to the end cap 12 rather than in the middle of thee-cigarette. The airflow sensor 26 may be replaced by, or supplementedwith, a switch which enables a user to activate the e-cigarette manuallyrather than in response to the detection of a change in airflow or airpressure.

Different types of atomizers may be used. Thus, for example, theatomizer may have a heating coil in a cavity in the interior of a porousbody soaked in liquid. In this design, aerosol is generated byevaporating the liquid within the porous body either by activation ofthe coil heating the porous body or alternatively by the heated airpassing over or through the porous body. Alternatively the atomizer mayuse a piezoelectric atomizer to create an aerosol either in combinationor in the absence of a heater.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of an e-cigarette, consistent withvarious aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, thee-cigarette 10 can include a battery 22 and a controller circuitry 40.Electrical contact apertures 42 _(A-C) can be located on the e-cigarette10. Electrical contacts or connectors 44 _(A-C) can be electricallycoupled with the controller circuitry 40, and extend through at least aportion of the electrical contact apertures 42 _(A-C). As discussed inmore detail below, the electrical connectors 44 _(A-C) facilitateelectrical communication between the controller circuitry 40 andexternal circuitry, as well as charging of the battery 22 bytransmitting a current to the battery 22 from an external power source(e.g., external battery, charger, electronic device, among others).

The e-cigarette 10 can utilize software, hardware, firmware, and/orlogic to perform a number of functions described herein. The e-cigarette10 can include a combination of hardware and instructions to shareinformation. The hardware, for example can include the controllercircuitry 40 and/or a memory (not shown) (e.g., non-transitorycomputer-readable medium (CRM) database, etc.). The memory, as usedherein, can include a number of processors capable of executinginstructions stored by the memory resource. The memory can be integratedin a single device or distributed across multiple devices. Theinstructions (e.g., computer-readable instructions) can includeinstructions stored on the memory and executable by the memory forproviding control over the e-cigarette 10 and/or performing varioussteps discussed in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5, in an example.

FIGS. 3A-C are a drawings that shows an exemplary embodiment of thecharger for charging a battery of the e-cigarette. FIG. 3A is anisometric side and top view of a charger for the e-cigarette shown inFIG. 2, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. FIG.3B is a top, cross-sectional view of the charger shown in FIG. 3A, takenalong line B-B of FIG. 3A, consistent with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. FIG. 3C is a side, cross-sectional view of thecharger shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, taken along line C-C of FIG. 3B,consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure.

A plurality of connecting pins 48 _(A-C) can be configured toelectrically connect to a plurality of connectors 44 _(A-C) in thee-cigarette 10. As shown in an exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 3A-C, thecharger 46 can have three connecting pins 48 _(A-C). The number ofconnectors 44 _(A-C)/connecting pins 48 _(A-C) can range from, forexample, 2-20. The connecting pins 48 _(A-C) can have, for example around cross-section and be cylindrically shaped. Other embodiments canuse different sizes or shapes for the connecting pins (e.g., one round,one square, smaller or larger diameter and/or length, etc.) to aid withthe desired configuration of the connection between the e-cigarette 10and the charger 46.

The three connecting pins 48 _(A-C) can be used to connect with thecorresponding connectors 44 _(A-C) in the e-cigarette 10 for chargingthe battery 22 and to facilitate signals or messages between thee-cigarette 10 and the charger 46. For example, a connecting pin 48 _(C)can be connected to a ground and a connecting pin 48 _(B) can be usedfor transmitting current from to a charging circuit, and a connectingpin 48 _(A) can be used for sending a transmission of one or moresignals or messages from the charger 46 to the e-cigarette 10 (e.g.,sending a charge message, or a disconnect message, etc.). The connectingpin 48 _(B) can, in some embodiments, be used to by the e-cigarette 10to receive a signal or transmission from the charger 46 when thee-cigarette 10 is in the communication mode (and not in the chargingmode). The signal going through the connector 48 _(B) can be, forexample, a high or a low signal. In some embodiments, the high and/orlow signals can be used to trigger a switch between modes described ingreater detail below.

In other embodiments, the arrangement/order of the connectors/connectingpins can be varied (e.g., connector/connecting pin 44 _(A)/48 _(A) isground, connector/connecting pin 44 _(B)/48 _(B) is hot,connector/connecting pin 44 _(C)/48 _(C) is sending/receiving, orconnector 44 _(A)/48 _(A) is hot, connector/connecting pin 44 _(B)/48_(B) is ground, and connector/connecting pin 44 _(C)/48 _(C) is forsending/receiving, etc.). Additional connectors/connecting pins could beused (e.g., four connectors/connecting pins) to permit dedicated pathsfor sending and receiving signals. However, due to space constraints, asingle connector that alternates between acting as the path that cansend and receive signals can reduce the size of space needed in thee-cigarette 10 for the connectors.

The connectors/connecting pins can also be arranged in a configurationto prevent reversing a connection between the e-cigarette 10 and thecharger 46. For example, the spacing of the connectors/connecting pinscan vary so that the charger 46 only connects to the e-cigarette 10 inone configuration. For example, a distance between connectors 44 _(A)and 44 _(B) can be different from the distance between connectors 44_(B) and 44 _(C). Other embodiments can use different sizes and/ordifferent shapes for the connectors/connecting pins (e.g., one round,one square, etc.) to aid with the desired configuration of theconnection between the e-cigarette 10 and the charger 46.

The window 54 can facilitate viewing, by a user, a display or a light onthe e-cigarette 10 that is located to correspond with the window 54 whenthe e-cigarette 10 is connected with the charger 46. The window 54 canalso be located to facilitate viewing a logo or other marking on thee-cigarette 10 when the e-cigarette 10 is connected with the charger 46.One or more windows 54 can be included on the charger 46 and located atany suitable location. FIG. 3A shows an exemplary embodiment of thecharger 46 with two windows 54.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the charger 46 can be configured to electricallyconnect with the e-cigarette 10 to charge the battery 22 or to connectthe e-cigarette 10 to, for example, a PC/computing device or some otherprocessor using the charger 46 as a bridge. When acting as the bridgebetween the PC/mobile computing device and the e-cigarette 10, thecharger 46 can translate the information or data going between thePC/computing device and the e-cigarette 10 to facilitate the exchange.In the bridging scenario, the charger 46 does not edit or change thedata. The PC/mobile computing device are exemplary embodiments ofprocessors that can be connected to the charger 46. Other embodimentscan include, for example, a mobile phone (e.g., a “smart” phone), laptopor tablet computer or other similar device.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the charger 46 can include, for example, threeconnecting pins 48 _(A-C), a charger control electronics 50, a chargermemory 52. A window 54 (not marked in FIG. 3B) is shown in FIGS. 3A and3C. The charger control electronics 50 can be electrically connected toa wire (not shown). The wire can also be connected to a connector (notshown). The connector can be any suitable connector including, forexample, a universal serial bus (USB) connector.

The charger control electronics 50 can include a charger memory 52 and acharger processor (not shown). The charger 46 can be a synchronous statemachine. The charger 46 can include one or more circuits in, forexample, the charger control electronics 50. The one or more circuitscan be digital circuits that allow the charger processor of the charger46 to be in various states or modes. The states or modes of the chargerprocessor can include, for example, idle, communication, charging,disconnect, or other modes. Any of the states or modes can include oneor more sub-modes. For example, the communication mode can include adiagnostic sub-mode and an update sub-mode. The charger modes aredescribed in greater detail below.

The charger control electronics 50 can collect data from the e-cigarette10 and the charger memory 52 can store the collected data. For example,the charger control electronics 50 can collect data about the lastseveral batteries and/or atomizer/fluid reservoirs 16 that wereconnected to the charger 46 and the number of hours the e-cigarette 10has been in use.

The charger 46 can utilize software, hardware, firmware, and/or logic toperform a number of functions described herein. The charger 46 caninclude a combination of hardware and instructions to share information.The hardware, for example can include the control electronics 50 and/orthe charger memory 52 (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable medium(CRM) database, etc.). The charger memory 52, as used herein, caninclude a number of processors capable of executing instructions storedby the memory resource. The charger memory 52 can be integrated in asingle device or distributed across multiple devices. The instructions(e.g., computer-readable instructions) can include instructions storedon the charger memory 52 and executable by the charger processor and/orthe charger memory 52 for providing control over the charger 46 and/orperforming various steps discussed in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5, in anexample.

In some embodiments, the charger 46 can include a wirelesstransmitter/receiver (not shown) to facilitate communication between thecharger 46/e-cigarette 10 and a PC/mobile computing device. This caninclude the use of Bluetooth technology or other wireless protocols.

The e-cigarette 10 can be a synchronous state machine. The e-cigarette10 can include one or more circuits in, for example, the controlelectronics 24. The one or more circuits can be digital circuits thatallow the e-cigarette 10 to be in various states or modes. The states ormodes of the e-cigarette 10 can include, for example, operation,charging, lower power sleep, light sleep, idle, disconnected,communication or other modes. Any of the states or modes can include oneor more sub-modes. For example, the communication mode can include adiagnostic sub-mode and an update sub-mode.

An e-cigarette and a charger can be synchronous state machines. Thee-cigarette and charger can each include one or more circuits. The oneor more circuits can be digital circuits that allow the e-cigarette andthe charger to be in various states or modes. The e-cigarette cansynchronize with other devices (e.g., the charger, a case, etc.) and thecharger can synchronize with other devices (e.g., the e-cigarette).

FIG. 4 is a state diagram that shows exemplary modes for an e-cigarette,consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. The modes 60of the e-cigarette 10 can include a low power sleep mode 62, acommunication mode 64, a charge mode 66, an operation mode 68, and alight sleep mode 70. In some embodiments, the low power sleep mode 62can be the default mode for the e-cigarette 10 in order to maximizebattery life.

The low power sleep mode 62 can maximize an operating time of thebattery 22 in the e-cigarette 10 by, for example, limiting power usedduring various processes. For example, the airflow sensor 26 can beturned off to conserve power. While in the low power sleep mode 62, thee-cigarette 10 cannot be used by a user (e.g., no puffs are possible).In some embodiments, the e-cigarette 10 can be in low power sleep mode62 as a default mode and various actions and/or events can trigger achange in mode from the low power sleep mode 62 to a different mode.

For example, the low power sleep mode 62 can start when theatomizer/liquid reservoir 16 is disconnected from the e-cigarette 10which is represented by connector link 72 in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4,changes between some modes 60 (e.g., from the operation mode 68 to thecommunication mode 64, or from the charge mode 66 the communication mode64, etc.) can require the e-cigarette 10 to transition through the lowpower sleep mode 62. Other configurations are possible for thearrangement of modes 60 in the synchronous machine arrangement. Forexample, in other embodiments, the communication mode 64 can be thetransitional mode (instead of the lower power sleep mode 62 shown as inFIG. 2).

The e-cigarette 10 can be operated by a user in an operation mode 68.The operation mode 68 can be activated when a user uses the e-cigarette10 (e.g., sucks/puffs on the e-cigarette 10). The operation mode 68 canalso be trigged by, for example, connecting the atomizer/liquidreservoir 16 to the e-cigarette 10 (represented by connector link 74) asa user may intend to use the e-cigarette 10 after the connection (e.g.,puff right after inserting a cartridge or connecting the atomizer/liquidreservoir 16).

The operation mode 68 can cause the e-cigarette 10 to, for example,activate the airflow sensor 26 during a puff causing the heating coil 30to heat. In some embodiments, when the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion16 is connected the e-cigarette 10 can switch from the low power sleepmode 62 to the operation mode 68. In other embodiments, when theatomizer/liquid reservoir 26, for example, is disconnected from thee-cigarette 10, the e-cigarette 10 can switch into the low power sleepmode 62.

During the operation mode 68, the e-cigarette 10 can periodically checkfor use (e.g., detect puffs by a user). As the frequency of usedecreases, the frequency of checks for use can also decrease. Forexample, while in the operation mode 68, the e-cigarette 10 can checkfor use every 50 ms, and after 4 minutes of no use (e.g., no puffs byuser) the e-cigarette 10 can increase the time between checks to fourminutes.

The operation mode 68 can also have various sub-modes. For example, astealth mode could vary one or more features of the e-cigarette 10 tominimize the visibility or other characteristic/feature of thee-cigarette 10. For example, the stealth mode could reduce or disablelight from an LED 18, reduce power output so the heater coil 30 is alower temperature which can cause the e-cigarette 10 to generate lessvapour during use.

In some embodiments, the e-cigarette 10 can transition from theoperation mode 68 to the light sleep mode 70 which can be represented byconnector link 76 in FIG. 4. Similar to the low power sleep mode 62, thelight sleep mode 70 can also reduce power usage of the e-cigarette tomaximize battery life. In the light sleep mode 70 the airflow sensor 26is still active but the e-cigarette 10 is in a reduced polling modewhere the control electronics 24 check for usage less frequentlycompared to the operation mode 68. This allows the e-cigarette 10 totransition from the light sleep mode 70 to the operation mode 68(represented by a connector line 76) in a shorter amount of timecompared to transitioning from the low power sleep mode 62 to theoperation mode 68.

In some embodiments, the power usage of the e-cigarette 10 while in thelight sleep mode 70 can be equal to the power consumption of thee-cigarette 10 while in the low power sleep mode 62. In otherembodiments, one of the modes could use less power (e.g., the low powersleep mode 62 could use less power than the light sleep mode 70 or thelow power sleep mode 62 could use more power than the light sleep mode70).

The low power sleep mode 62 can have various different sub-modes. Forexample, the e-cigarette 10 can be in a full sleep mode, a travel sleepmode, or a deep sleep mode. The full sleep mode can occur when thee-cigarette 10 is, for example, connected to a charger that is connectedto a power supply and the battery is fully charged. The travel sleepmode can be, for example, while the e-cigarette 10 is connected to acharger that is not connected to a power supply. The deep sleep mode canoccur, for example, when the e-cigarette 10 does not have theatomizer/liquid reservoir 16 connected (e.g., no puffs are possible) andthe e-cigarette 10 is not connected to a charger. All sleep modeseffectively reduce the power consumption (e.g., to a lowest possiblelevel).

In some embodiments, the e-cigarette 10 can include a communication mode64 as seen in FIG. 4. The communication mode 64 can be triggered by, forexample, connecting the e-cigarette 10 to a charger 46 (represented byconnector link 80). While in the communication mode 64, the e-cigarette10 can detect the charger 46 and announce itself by sending a firstsignal or message to the charger 46 (e.g., passively or actively). Inresponse, the charger 46 can send a second signal to the e-cigarette 10,acknowledging the announcement. The second signal can trigger the startof the communication mode 64. The communication mode 64 can end when thee-cigarette 10 receives, for example, a sleep message from the controlelectronics 24 or when the e-cigarette 10 switches to the charge mode66. The communication mode 64 can end and the e-cigarette 10 cantransition to the low power sleep mode 62 (represented by connector link82) or the e-cigarette 10 can transition to the charge mode 66(represented by connector link 84).

The sleep message can be generated by, for example, disconnecting thee-cigarette 10 from the charger 46. In another embodiment, if thee-cigarette 10 is connected to a charger 46 that is not connected to anexternal power source (e.g., external battery, charger, electronicdevice, connected to an AC outlet among others) the e-cigarette 10 canreturn and/or stay in the low power sleep mode 62 or the light sleepmode 70. The sleep message can cause the e-cigarette 10 to change fromthe charger mode 66 to the low power sleep mode 62 after the battery 22is at a maximum charge. If the e-cigarette 10 is in the communicationmode 64 and connected to the charger 46, the charger can also be in thecommunication mode 64.

When the e-cigarette 10 is in the communication mode 64 and connected tothe charger 46, a charge message can cause the e-cigarette 10 switchfrom the communication mode 64 to the charge mode 66 and begin chargingthe battery 22. The e-cigarette 10 can continue charging the battery 22until, for example, the charger 46 is disconnected or the e-cigarette 10attains a full charge on a battery 22. If the charger 46 is disconnectedfrom the e-cigarette 10 or the battery 22 has a full charge thee-cigarette 10 can switch from the charge mode 66 to the low power sleepmode 62.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the e-cigarette 10 can bedisposable. For disposable e-cigarettes the battery may not berechargeable. In some embodiments, the disposable e-cigarette may nothave low power modes. In this embodiment, the low power sleep and lightsleep modes may not exist but other modes discussed herein may still beused and other additional modes may be included.

In some embodiments, the e-cigarette 10 can periodically change from alow power mode (e.g., the low power sleep mode 62 or the light sleepmode 70) to another mode. This periodic change can be thought of as“waking” from the low power mode to, for example, perform a task and/ormonitor an operation, system or hardware. The periodic waking cancontrol the various sleep modes (e.g., full sleep, travel sleep, anddeep sleep) and can ensure the control electronics 24 is operatingproperly. For example, the e-cigarette 10 can wake to run a diagnosticoperation in the diagnostic sub-mode of the communication mode 64. Theperiodicity of the waking can be controlled by a timer or triggered bysome other event (e.g., connecting the e-cigarette 10 to the charger 46,the atomizer/liquid reservoir 16, a carry case, etc.). Connecting ordisconnecting the e-cigarette 10 from an accessory or other device(e.g., a PC/computing device, a mobile phone, or other processor) canchange the periodicity of the waking.

The communication mode 64 can include various other sub-modes. Forexample, after the e-cigarette 10 is in the communication mode 64, adiagnostic mode or an update mode can be started. The diagnostic modecan be used to diagnose various parts of the e-cigarette 10. Forexample, one more tests can be run on the constituent systems of thee-cigarette 10 (e.g., the control electronics 24, the battery 22, theatomizer/liquid reservoir portion 16, etc.). The diagnostic mode canalso allow an e-cigarette memory to be collected (e.g., downloaded to aPC/mobile computing device, uploaded to a web site, etc.). Informationstored in the e-cigarette memory can include, for example, the serialnumber of the e-cigarette 10, the serial number of the atomizer/liquidreservoir portion 16, or other information. The update mode can be usedto, for example, provide firmware and/or software updates to thee-cigarette 10.

If the e-cigarette 10 is in the communication mode 64, the charger 46can also synchronize to be in the communication mode 64 (shown in FIG.3). Similarly, if the e-cigarette 10 is in the charge mode 66, thecharger 46 can also synchronize to be a charge mode (discussed in moredetail below). Other combinations of modes are possible when thee-cigarette 10 and the charger 46 synchronize (e.g., if the e-cigaretteis in the lower power sleep mode 62, and connected to the charger 46,the charger 46 can be in an idle mode (discussed in more detail below)).

In some embodiments, the charger 46 can include the control electronics50 that includes, for example, a memory 52. The charger memory 52 cancollect data from the e-cigarette 10. For example, the charger memory 52can collect data about the last several batteries that were connected tothe charger 46 and the number of hours the e-cigarette 10 has been inuse.

FIG. 5 is a state diagram that shows exemplary modes for the charger forthe e-cigarette of FIG. 2, consistent with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. The charger 46 can have various modes 90, includingan idle mode 92, a communication mode 94, a charge mode 96, and adisconnect mode 98. The communication mode 94 and the charge mode 96 aredescribed herein. The idle mode 92 can reduce energy used by the battery22 by, for example, turning down a processor clock in the controlelectronics 24 and turning off peripheral electronics (e.g., the LED 18)and any other processes not necessary.

The charger 46 can be in an idle mode 92. In some embodiments, the idlemode 92 can be the default mode for the charger 46. If the charger 46 isnot connected to the e-cigarette 10 or a PC/mobile computing device thecharger 46 can be in the idle mode 92. If the e-cigarette 10 isinitially connected to the charger 46 and then disconnected from thecharger 46, the charger 46 can switch to the idle mode 92.

Connecting the e-cigarette 10 to the charger 46 can cause the charger 46to switch from the idle mode 92 to the communication mode 94(represented by connector link 100 in FIG. 5). Conversely, disconnectingthe e-cigarette 10 from the charger 46 can cause the charger 46 toswitch from the communication mode 94 to the idle mode 92 (representedby connector link 102 in FIG. 5).

In some embodiments, the charger 46 can determine or negotiate a rate ofcharging of the battery 22 in the e-cigarette 10. The negotiation canoccur when the charger 46 and the e-cigarette 10 are connected and bothin communication mode (e.g., the e-cigarette 10 in communication mode 64and the charger 46 in communication mode 94). The charge message can besent by the charger 46 to the e-cigarette 10. In response, thee-cigarette 10 can send a response signal back to the charger 46. Thecharger 46 can then determine a rate of charging for the battery 22.

The rate of charging can vary for a number of reasons. For example,connecting the e-cigarette 10 to a PC/mobile computing device via a USBconnection (or other similar connection) may not allow the same chargerate compared to using a charger 46 with a charge block that accepts acharge block (e.g., as a USB plug) and also fits into electrical outlets(e.g., to metal prongs that fit into and electrical outlet) or otheradapter connected to a typical household AC circuit (e.g., 120 v/60 Hzor 220V/50 Hz) or other external power source (e.g., external battery,etc.). As an example, the charger 46 can be rated for 150-500 mA. Insome embodiments, a higher charge rate can be negotiated (e.g., 1000 mA)depending on the properties of the battery 22 and the type of connectionsupplying electricity to the charger 46.

The charger 46 can switch from the communication mode 94 to the chargemode 96 (represented by connector link 104 in FIG. 5) after the chargemessage/reply message are sent between the e-cigarette 10 and thecharger 46 (e.g., the e-cigarette 10 is in control of a chargenegotiation) and the charge negotiation is complete. In anotherembodiment, instead of the charge message being sent from thee-cigarette 10 to the charger 46, the charger 46 can send a message tothe e-cigarette 10 after the e-cigarette 10 is connected to the charger46 (e.g., the charger 46 is in control of the charge negotiation).

When the e-cigarette 10 has a battery 22 that is fully charged thee-cigarette can switch to a low power mode (e.g., the low power sleepmode 62, the light sleep mode 70, etc.) and the charger 46 can switchfrom the charge mode 96 to the idle mode 92 (represented by connectorlink 106 in FIG. 5). If the e-cigarette 10 in the charge mode 66 and isconnected to the charger 46, the charger 46 can also synchronize to bein the charge mode 96.

The charger 46 can be placed in the disconnect mode 98 by, for example,disconnecting the charger 46 from the PC/computing device if thee-cigarette is already connected to the charger 46 (represented byconnector link 108 in FIG. 5). The disconnect mode 98 can be ended byconnecting the charger 46 to the PC/computing device (represented byconnector link 110 in FIG. 5) if the charger is not connected to thePC/computing device.

FIG. 6 is a chart that shows exemplary times that the e-cigarette can beturned on and turned off while in the light sleep mode, consistent withvarious aspects of the present disclosure. The light sleep mode 70 canreduce energy used by the battery 22 by, for example, turning down aprocessor clock and turning off peripheral electronics and any otherprocesses not necessary (e.g., the LED 18 etc.). In one example shown inFIG. 6, the e-cigarette 10 can be turned on for 10 ms and then turnedoff for 125 ms. In another embodiment, the e-cigarette 10 can be turnedon for 50 ms and then turned off for 256 ms. Longer periods with thee-cigarette 10 off can be used in the low power modes (e.g., low powersleep mode 62, light sleep mode 70, etc.). The length of time thee-cigarette 10 is turned off can vary. For example, “on” times can rangebetween 10-50 ms and “off” times can range between 125-4000 ms dependingon the activity of the user with the e-cigarette 10. In one example,immediately after the e-cigarette 10 is used (e.g., the user sucks/puffson the e-cigarette 10) a first off time can be 0 ms. After a firstperiod of time the e-cigarette 10 can change to a second off time of 128ms. After a second period of time the e-cigarette 10 can change to athird off time of 256 ms. The number of different off times can vary.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating data communication pathwaysbetween an exemplary e-cigarette and a processor, consistent withvarious aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 shows exemplaryconnections between an e-cigarette 10 and a charger 46 and the charger46 and a processor 112 (e.g., a PC/computing device, a mobile phone, aremote server, etc.). A first connection 114 between the e-cigarette 10and the charger 46 can be, for example, a serial connection. The serialconnection is previously described above in more detail. A secondconnection 116 can be between the charger 46 and a processor 112 (e.g.,a personal computer, a tablet computer, a mobile “smart” phone, or othersimilar device). The second connection 116 can be any suitableelectrical connection between the charger 114 and the processor 116.

The e-cigarette 10 can connect to a charger 46 in order to charge thebattery 22 (see FIG. 1) of the e-cigarette 10. In addition to thischarging function, the charger 46 can exchange data with the e-cigarette10. The data exchange can occur, for example, through a dedicated dataline or signals obtained from a power line connecting the charger 46 andthe e-cigarette 10 during charging. When a data line is used to transferdata between the e-cigarette 10 and the charger 46, the data line can bea physical wire connection or a wireless communication. In anembodiment, the data that can be transferred from the e-cigarette 10 tothe charger 46 includes identifying data, such as a serial number, acalibration parameter, a batch code, a line number, or a barcodeassociated with the e-cigarette 10. In another embodiment, the data thatcan be transferred from the e-cigarette 10 to the charger 46 includesusage data, such as a number of puffs taken, an average length of puffstaken, a smoke juice level, a smoke juice flavor, or a location of use.

The charger 46 can act as a bridge connection between the e-cigarette 10and the processor 112 (e.g., a personal computer (PC). While acting asthe bridge connection between the e-cigarette 10 and the processor 112the charger 46 does not add to or change the content of the data orinformation transmitted between the e-cigarette 10 and the processor112. The processor 112 can be, for example, an external processor thatis external to the e-cigarette 10 and to the charger 46. The externalprocessor can be configured to communicate with the control electronics24 and the charger control electronics 50 when the e-cigarette 10 iselectrically connected to the charger 46.

The serial connection can be used to, for example, connect thee-cigarette 10 to the charger 46 to, for example, negotiate the chargerate of the e-cigarette 10 by the charger 46 or transmit signals ormessages between the e-cigarette 10 and the charger 46 as describedherein.

The second connection 116 can be used to, for example, update firmwareon the e-cigarette 10 and/or the charger 46. The firmware can betransmitted from the memory that is part of the processor 112 or from aremote server, passing through the charger 46, to the e-cigarette 10. Inother embodiments, the second connection 116 can permit the exchange ofdata (e.g., diagnostic data) between the processor 112 and thee-cigarette 10. In another embodiment, the second connection 116 canpermit data stored on a memory device on the e-cigarette 10.

In summary, various embodiments of the present disclosure are directedto an electronic smoking device comprising a power supply portioncomprising a power supply, an atomizer/liquid reservoir portioncomprising a liquid reservoir, and an atomizer, the atomizer operablewhen connected to the power supply to atomize liquid stored in theliquid reservoir, and a control electronics, wherein the controlelectronics comprise a set of computer-readable instructions capable ofexecuting an operation mode, a communication mode and a charge mode. Theplurality of modes further comprise further comprise a low power sleepmode, and a light sleep mode. The control electronics comprise aplurality of connectors, wherein the plurality of connectors are insidethe electronic smoking device and accessible through a correspondingplurality of apertures. The plurality of connectors further comprisesthree connectors that are configured to be electrically connected to acharger. The control electronics execute the communication mode is afterthe electronic smoking device is electrically coupled to a charger andthe communication mode is configured to determine a charge parameter ofthe electronic smoking device. The charge parameter comprises at leastone of a voltage and a current.

Some embodiments of an electronic cigarette charger include a firstconnection, wherein the first connection further comprises a pluralityof connecting pins for electrically connecting to the electronic smokingdevice, a second connection, wherein the second connection is configuredfor electrically connecting to a computing device, a controlelectronics, wherein the control electronics comprises a memory, whereinthe memory further comprises a set of computer-readable instructionscapable of executing an idle mode, a communication mode and a chargemode. The plurality of modes further comprises a disconnect mode. Thecontrol electronics further comprise a plurality of connecting pins,wherein a portion of the plurality of connecting pins extend above asurface of the charger. The plurality of connecting pins furthercomprises three connecting pins that are configured to be electricallyconnected to the corresponding connectors on the electronic smokingdevice.

In various embodiments consistent with the present disclosure a systemcan include an electronic smoking device comprising a battery, an eCigmemory storing a first set of computer-readable instructions, andcontrol electronics configured to execute the first set ofcomputer-readable instructions to place the electronic smoking device ina first plurality of modes; and a charger comprising a charger memorystoring a second set of computer-readable instructions, and a chargerprocessor configured to execute the second set of computer-readableinstructions to place the charger in a second plurality of modes;wherein each of the first plurality of modes has at least onecomplementary mode in the second plurality of modes, and wherein thecontrol electronics and the charger processor are configured tocommunicate and to negotiate a charge rate for charging the battery whenthe electronic smoking device is electrically connected to the charger.The first plurality of modes comprises an operation mode, a low powersleep mode, a light sleep mode, a communication mode, and a charge mode:and wherein the second plurality of modes comprises an idle mode, adisconnect mode, a communication mode, and a charge mode. Thecommunication mode is initiated after the electronic smoking device iselectrically connected to a charger, and wherein the communication modeis configured to determine a charge parameter of the electronic smokingdevice. The system can further comprise an external processor, whereinthe external processor is external to the electronic smoking device andto the charger, and the external processor is configured to communicatewith the control electronics when the electronic smoking device iselectrically connected to the charger.

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method of connectingan electronic smoking device to a charger, wherein the electronicsmoking device is in a first mode and the charger is in a first chargermode, switching from the first mode of the electronic smoking device toa charging mode, switching from the first charger mode of the charger toa second charger mode, negotiating, by the electronic smoking devicewhile in the second mode, a charge rate for charging a battery of theelectronic smoking device by the charger while in the second mode,charging the battery at the negotiated charge rate. The first mode ofthe electronic smoking device is selected from the group consisting of alow power sleep mode, a communication mode, an operation mode, and alight sleep mode and wherein the second mode is a charging mode. Thefirst charger mode of the charger is selected from a group consisting ofan idle mode, a disconnect mode, and a communication mode, and whereinthe second charger mode is a charging mode. The first mode furthercomprises a sub-mode, wherein the sub-mode is selected from the groupconsisting of a diagnostic mode, a stealth mode, an update mode, a fullsleep mode, a travel sleep mode, and a deep sleep mode. The firstcharger mode further comprises a sub-mode, wherein the sub-mode isselected from the group consisting of a diagnostic mode and an updatemode.

It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may beemployed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize,even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-knowncomponents and processing techniques may be omitted so as to notunnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the disclosure. The examplesused herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of waysin which the disclosure may be practiced and to further enable those ofskill in the art to practice the embodiments of the disclosure.Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construedas limiting the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, it is noted that likereference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

The terms “including,” “comprising” and variations thereof, as used inthis disclosure, mean “including, but not limited to,” unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

The terms “a,” “an,” and “the,” as used in this disclosure, means “oneor more,” unless expressly specified otherwise.

Although process steps, method steps, algorithms, or the like, may bedescribed in a sequential order, such processes, methods and algorithmsmay be configured to work in alternate orders. In other words, anysequence or order of steps that may be described does not necessarilyindicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. Thesteps of the processes, methods or algorithms described herein may beperformed in any order practical. Further, some steps may be performedsimultaneously.

When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readilyapparent that more than one device or article may be used in place of asingle device or article. Similarly, where more than one device orarticle is described herein, it will be readily apparent that a singledevice or article may be used in place of the more than one device orarticle. The functionality or the features of a device may bealternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are notexplicitly described as having such functionality or features.

Although several embodiments have been described above with a certaindegree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerousalterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from thespirit of the present disclosure. It is intended that all mattercontained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawingsshall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes indetail or structure may be made without departing from the presentteachings. The foregoing description and following claims are intendedto cover all such modifications and variations.

Various embodiments are described herein of various apparatuses,systems, and methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to providea thorough understanding of the overall structure, function,manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in thespecification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will beunderstood by those skilled in the art, however, that the embodimentsmay be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, wellknown operations, components, and elements have not been described indetail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in thespecification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand thatthe embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limitingexamples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structuraland functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do notnecessarily limit the scope of the embodiments, the scope of which isdefined solely by the appended claims.

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “someembodiments,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or the like, means thata particular feature, structure, or characteristic described inconnection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment.Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in someembodiments,” “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or the like, inplaces throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures,or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, orcharacteristics illustrated or described in connection with oneembodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the featuresstructures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments withoutlimitation.

It will be appreciated that the terms “proximal” and “distal” may beused throughout the specification with reference to a clinicianmanipulating one end of an instrument used to treat a patient. The term“proximal” refers to the portion of the instrument closest to theclinician and the term “distal” refers to the portion located furthestfrom the clinician. It will be further appreciated that for concisenessand clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “up,” and“down” may be used herein with respect to the illustrated embodiments.However, surgical instruments may be used in many orientations andpositions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and absolute.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or inpart, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein isincorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materialsdoes not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or otherdisclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to theextent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth hereinsupersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference.Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated byreference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions,statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only beincorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between thatincorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to anelectronic cigarette battery housing apparatus including a power supplyportion comprising a power supply, an atomizer/liquid reservoir portioncomprising a liquid reservoir and an atomizer, the atomizer operablewhen connected to the power supply to atomize liquid stored in theliquid reservoir, and control electronics, wherein the controlelectronics are configured to execute a set of computer-readableinstructions to place the electronic smoking device in an operationmode, a communication mode, and a charge mode. The control electronicsare further configured to execute a set of computer-readableinstructions to place the electronic smoking device in a low power sleepmode and a light sleep mode. The control electronics comprise aplurality of connectors, wherein the plurality of connectors are insidethe electronic smoking device and accessible through a correspondingplurality of apertures. The plurality of connectors further comprisesthree connectors that are configured to be electrically connected to acharger. The control electronics executes the communication mode afterthe electronic smoking device is electrically coupled to a charger andthe communication mode is configured to determine a charge parameter ofthe electronic smoking device. The charge parameter comprises at leastone of a voltage and a current.

Some embodiments of an electronic cigarette charger include a firstconnection, wherein the first connection further comprises a pluralityof connecting pins for electrically connecting to the electronic smokingdevice, a second connection, wherein the second connection is configuredfor electrically connecting to a computing device, charger controlelectronics, wherein the charger control electronics comprises a memory,wherein the memory further comprises a set of computer-readableinstructions to place the charger in an idle mode, a communication modeand a charge mode. The charger control electronics are furtherconfigured to execute a set of computer-readable instructions to placethe charger in a disconnect mode. The control electronics furthercomprises a plurality of connecting pins, wherein a portion of theplurality of connecting pins extend above a surface of the charger. Theplurality of connecting pins further comprises three connecting pinsthat are configured to be electrically connected to the correspondingconnectors on the electronic device.

In various embodiments consistent with the present disclosure a systemcan comprise a battery, an eCig memory storing a first set ofcomputer-readable instructions, and control electronics configured toexecute the first set of computer-readable instructions to place theelectronic smoking device in a first plurality of modes; and a chargercomprising a charger memory storing a second set of computer-readableinstructions, and a charger processor configured to execute the secondset of computer-readable instructions to place the charger in a secondplurality of modes; wherein each of the first plurality of modes has atleast one complementary mode in the second plurality of modes, andwherein the control electronics and the charger processor are configuredto communicate and to negotiate a charge rate for charging the batterywhen the electronic smoking device is electrically connected to thecharger.

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method for chargingan electronic smoking device comprising connecting the electronicsmoking device to a charger, wherein control electronics of theelectronic smoking device are in a first eCig mode and wherein a chargerprocessor of the charger is in a first charger mode, switching thecontrol electronics from the first eCig mode to a second eCig mode,switching the charger processor from the first charger mode to a secondcharger mode, negotiating, between the control electronics and thecharger processor, while the electronic smoking device is in the secondeCig mode, and while a charge rate for charging a battery of theelectronic smoking device, the charger is in the second charger mode,and charging the battery at the negotiated charge rate. The first eCigmode of the electronic smoking device is selected from the groupconsisting of a low power sleep mode, a communication mode, an operationmode, and a light sleep mode, and wherein the second eCig mode is acharge mode. The first charger mode of the charger is selected from agroup consisting of an idle mode, a disconnect mode, and a communicationmode, and wherein the second charger mode is a charge mode. The firsteCig mode comprises an eCig sub-mode selected from the group consistingof a diagnostic mode, a stealth mode, an update mode, a full sleep mode,a travel sleep mode, and a deep sleep mode. The first charger modecomprises a charger sub-mode selected from the group consisting of adiagnostic mode, and an update mode.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   10 electronic smoking device-   12 end cap-   14 power supply portion-   16 atomizer/liquid reservoir portion-   18 light emitting diode (LED)-   20 air inlets-   22 battery-   24 control electronics-   26 airflow sensor-   28 atomizer-   30 heating coil-   32 wick-   34 central passage-   36 liquid reservoir-   38 air inhalation port-   40 controller circuitry-   42 electrical contact apertures-   44 electrical contacts (or connectors)-   46 charger-   48 connecting pins-   50 charger control electronics-   52 charger memory-   54 window-   56 wire-   60 e-cigarette modes-   62 low power sleep mode-   64 communication mode-   66 charge mode-   68 operation mode-   70 light sleep mode-   72 connector link from operation mode to low power sleep mode-   74 connector link from low power sleep mode to operation mode-   76 connector link from operation mode to light sleep mode-   78 connector link from light sleep mode to operation mode-   80 connector link from low power sleep mode to communication mode-   82 connector link from communication mode to low power sleep mode-   84 connector link from communication mode to charge mode-   86 connector link from charge mode to low power sleep mode-   90 charger modes-   92 idle mode-   94 communication mode-   96 charge mode-   98 disconnect mode-   100 connector link from idle mode to communication mode-   102 connector link from communication mode to idle mode-   104 connector link from communication mode to charge mode-   106 connector link from charge mode to idle mode-   108 connector link from idle mode to disconnect mode-   110 connector link from disconnect mode to idle mode-   112 processor-   114 first connection-   116 second connection

1. An electronic smoking device comprising: a power supply portioncomprising a power supply, an atomizer/liquid reservoir portioncomprising a liquid reservoir and an atomizer, the atomizer operablewhen connected to the power supply to atomize liquid stored in theliquid reservoir, and control electronics, wherein the controlelectronics are configured to execute a set of computer-readableinstructions to place the electronic smoking device in an operationmode, a communication mode, and a charge mode.
 2. The electronic smokingdevice of claim 1, wherein the control electronics are furtherconfigured to execute a set of computer-readable instructions to placethe electronic smoking device in a low power sleep mode and a lightsleep mode.
 3. The electronic smoking device of claim 1, wherein thecontrol electronics comprise a plurality of connectors, wherein theplurality of connectors are inside the electronic smoking device andaccessible through a corresponding plurality of apertures.
 4. Theelectronic smoking device of claim 3, wherein the plurality ofconnectors further comprises three connectors that are configured to beelectrically connected to a charger.
 5. The electronic smoking device ofclaim 2, wherein the control electronics executes the communication modeafter the electronic smoking device is electrically coupled to a chargerand the communication mode is configured to determine a charge parameterof the electronic smoking device.
 6. The electronic smoking device ofclaim 2, wherein the charge parameter comprises at least one of avoltage and a current.
 7. A charger for an electronic smoking devicecomprising: a first connection, wherein the first connection furthercomprises a plurality of connecting pins for electrically connecting tothe electronic smoking device, a second connection, wherein the secondconnection is configured for electrically connecting to a computingdevice, charger control electronics, wherein the charger controlelectronics comprises a memory, wherein the memory further comprises aset of computer-readable instructions to place the charger in an idlemode, a communication mode and a charge mode.
 8. The charger of claim 7,wherein the charger control electronics are further configured toexecute a set of computer-readable instructions to place the charger ina disconnect mode.
 9. The charger of claim 7, wherein the controlelectronics further comprise a plurality of connecting pins, wherein aportion of the plurality of connecting pins extend above a surface ofthe charger.
 10. The charger of claim 9, wherein the plurality ofconnecting pins further comprises three connecting pins that areconfigured to be electrically connected to the corresponding connectorson the electronic smoking device.
 11. A system comprising: an electronicsmoking device comprising a battery, an eCig memory storing a first setof computer-readable instructions, and control electronics configured toexecute the first set of computer-readable instructions to place theelectronic smoking device in a first plurality of modes; and a chargercomprising a charger memory storing a second set of computer-readableinstructions, and a charger processor configured to execute the secondset of computer-readable instructions to place the charger in a secondplurality of modes; wherein each of the first plurality of modes has atleast one complementary mode in the second plurality of modes, andwherein the control electronics and the charger processor are configuredto communicate and to negotiate a charge rate for charging the batterywhen the electronic smoking device is electrically connected to thecharger.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first plurality ofmodes comprises an operation mode, a low power sleep mode, a light sleepmode, a communication mode, and a charge mode: and wherein the secondplurality of modes comprises an idle mode, a disconnect mode, acommunication mode, and a charge mode.
 13. The system of claim 12,wherein the communication mode is initiated after the electronic smokingdevice is electrically connected to a charger, and wherein thecommunication mode is configured to determine a charge parameter of theelectronic smoking device.
 14. The system of claim 11, furthercomprising an external processor, wherein the external processor isexternal to the electronic smoking device and to the charger, and theexternal processor is configured to communicate with the controlelectronics when the electronic smoking device is electrically connectedto the charger.
 15. (canceled)
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein thefirst eCig mode of the electronic smoking device is selected from thegroup consisting of a low power sleep mode, a communication mode, anoperation mode, and a light sleep mode, and wherein the second eCig modeis a charge mode.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the first chargermode of the charger is selected from a group consisting of an idle mode,a disconnect mode, and a communication mode, and wherein the secondcharger mode is a charge mode.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein thefirst eCig mode comprises an eCig sub-mode selected from the groupconsisting of a diagnostic mode, a stealth mode, an update mode, a fullsleep mode, a travel sleep mode, and a deep sleep mode.
 19. The methodof claim 15, wherein the first charger mode comprises a charger sub-modeselected from the group consisting of a diagnostic mode, and an updatemode.